Supporting People with Complex Behavioral Challenges

This one-day interactive workshop presents information regarding the impact of trauma and how that trauma affects the neurodevelopment of children into adulthood. Using case examples, the presenter will demonstrate how people use behavior to cope with their traumatic experiences and how these coping mechanisms become the behavioral challenges demonstrated throughout the lifespan. The neurodevelopmental model presented was developed by Bruce Perry, MD, Ph.D., and is used with his permission.The presenter will guide small groups through the process of applying the concepts presented in the workshop to one individual served by attendees. This will empower attendees to immediately use the concepts presented to integrate the information into Positive Behavior Support plans through the use of structural assessments. The training is appropriate for all staff at all levels of the organization. A background in psychology or medicine is not required! It is highly recommended that organizations send as many people as possible to this workshop in order to work together in groups to transfer theory into practice using specific case examples from their organization. Learn more about The Mandt System Supporting People with Complex Behavioral Challenges – Bob Bowen, SVP Program Development & International Comments from past workshops:“Without having any knowledge of The Mandt System®, I was able to come into the training and not only learn new strategies but a new way to think about our individuals with complex behaviors. The learning was practical and immediately applicable.” Tamara Armitage, Wetaskiwin & District Association for Community Services Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada “Wow!!! Finally, a comprehensive and in-depth look at what treatment and support planning should REALLY be all about… I learned more in this training about the effects of trauma, with specific regard to the neurodevelopment of persons with developmental disabilities, than I learned in more than 9 years of college and graduate studies. ….everyone, everywhere that writes treatment/support plans for persons with a history of trauma must attend this training!” Terrence J. Holloway, BA, MSB Psychology Dept/Eastern Maine Community College Charlotte White Center/Professional Development “For teams of teachers developing Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans, this training provides an invaluable research based approach that will enhance planning, assessment, and outcomes for students with challenging behavior. Bob Bowen presents the information in a way that is accessible to those of us with backgrounds in education. I left the training with tools I can use and teach to my colleagues. This training is enlightening both professionally and personally. It is a must for teams serving students with challenging behavior.” Lori Pratt Buckingham; Spotsylvania County Schools, Behavior Specialist “As a clinical neuropsychologist, I was asked to explain how I apply the knowledge gained from the Mandt System to my professional role as a clinical neuropsychologist. I am employed by the State of Delaware to provide neuropsychological evaluations and treatment of brain injured residents of two long-term care facilities of the State of Delaware. I also provide general clinical services to the residents. I was introduced to the Mandt System More...

in 2010 when I volunteered to become one of its trainers for our facilities. The more I became involved in the Mandt System, the more intrigued I was with “trauma” and its effects on our residents, many of whom have experienced interpersonal trauma in their early years. While I was well versed on the impact that traumatic brain injury has on the brain and on brain-based behaviors, emotions, and cognitive functioning, and while I knew that traumatic experiences can negatively impact a person’s mental health, what had not occurred to me, until I learned it through the Mandt System, was that traumatic stress can also adversely affect the brain. Specific brain structures, such as the amygdale, hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex, have been studied and shown to be drastically altered by the effects of trauma. For example, as I began to explore the outcomes of traumatic stress on the brain, I was astonished to learn that the hippocampus, the site where short-term memories are consolidated into long-term memories, was found to be smaller in those who suffered traumatic event(s). But this is only part of the picture; studies on the effects of trauma on the brain have found substantial effects within multiple brain systems. It has also been found that theses outcomes are quite potent and persistent. Thus, I became acutely aware that a person’s experience of early trauma, especially chronic trauma, must be taken into consideration, when as a neuropsychologist, I am asked to differentiate the effects of brain injury from other causes of cognitive and behavioral deterioration. I am now also acutely aware of the need to incorporate our current knowledge of the effects of trauma into my psychotherapeutic treatments. Finally, I have come to the realization that sometime down the road we may have to show that our psychological treatments have impacted those adverse brain changes created by traumatic stress by reversing or remediating them before our treatments could be considered successful. The Mandt System has truly expanded my awareness and professional knowledge on how traumatic stress, a non-biomechanical event, can nevertheless, negatively impact brain functioning.”

Demonstrate an awareness of the impact of trauma on human neurodevelopment

Describe the impact of trauma on the developing brain and neural networks

Demonstrate an awareness of the effect of stress on cognitive and affective reasoning

Describe the basic functions of human behavior

List the primary emotions people feel under stress

Apply the principles of trauma, neurodevelopmental processes, and positive behavior support in specific cases

Time: 8:30am-5:00pm Cost: $195.00 per person

About the presenters :

Bob Bowen is the SVP Program Development of The Mandt System, Inc. and is an internationally acclaimed presenter and author. He has taught at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio, and Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa. He served as a member of the Positive Behavior Support Advisory Committee to the Ohio department of MR/DD, and has provided consultation on client specific behavioral concerns throughout the US and Canada. Mr. Bowen has presented at national and international workshops on the prevention of violence in health care settings and has worked with and for people affected by disabilities for over 30 years in developmental disability, mental health, and juvenile justice settings. In addition, he has presented numerous workshops on topics such as positive behavior support, organizational management, and person directed planning in the USA, Canada, and Europe.

Tim Geels is SVP Organizational Development of the Mandt System®. Prior to his employment with The Mandt System® , Mr. Geels spent 15 years working with persons with various types of Developmental Disabilities. The majority of that time was spent working specifically with individuals whom had Acquired Brain Injuries. Mr. Geels has presented nationally and internationally on the prevention of violence in settings working with people affected by developmental disability, mental health , and juvenile justice. In addition, Tim has been a sought after speaker on topics ranging from how to inspire staff, authentic communication, and Acquired Brain Injury. Tim has helped develop specific trainings for both classroom teachers, as well as School Resource Officers, and has been sought out as a Behavior Consultant. Tim continues to work with individual cases around the country to help reduce the need of restraint through non-coercive means. If you are interested in scheduling a workshop in your area, or for your organization, please contact The Mandt System® at 800-810-0755, and ask for Kevin Mandt for the USA and Annette Braun for Canada.